Container with pressure control device for dispensing fluid

ABSTRACT

Container with pressure control device for maintaining a substantially constant, preset pressure in the container, said container being arranged for dispensing a fluid, the pressure control device comprising a first chamber for containing a pressure fluid, a second chamber in which a control pressure prevails and a third chamber which is formed by or communicates with, or is at least partially accommodated in an inner space of the container, while between the first chamber and the third chamber there is provided a passage opening accommodating a closing member for closing, during normal use, the passage opening when the pressure in the third chamber is lower than the control pressure, a control means being movable by a displaceable or deformable part of the wall of the second chamber and arranged for displacing the closing member at least partially when the pressure in the third chamber is lower than the control pressure, to enable pressure fluid to flow under pressure from the first chamber to the third chamber, at least the control member and/or the second chamber being at least partially removable from the first chamber and biasing means being provided for keeping the closing member in the closed position when at least the control member and/or the second chamber are at least partially removed.

This application was published in English on Jun. 22, 2000 asInternational Publication Number WO 00/35773.

The invention relates to a container of the type described in thepreamble of the main claim. Such container is known from EP-0 349 053.

This known container comprises a pressure capsule having a first, secondand third chamber, the first chamber being filled with a pressurised gasto be discharged into the inner space of said container. On top of saidfirst chamber the second and third chamber are positioned, said thirdchamber being positioned between the first and second chamber. An outletopening is provided between said first and third chamber, provided witha closing member biased in a closed position by a spring. The secondchamber is separated from the third chamber by a membrane. Duringoperation an operating pressure prevails in the second chamber, movingsaid membrane depending on the pressure in the third chamber, whichduring use can freely communicate with the inner space of the container.When the pressure drops in the third chamber, the membrane is movedagainst the closing member, thereby forcing the closing member to anopening position, such that pressurised gas can be discharged from thefirst chamber through the third chamber into the inner space.Consequently, the pressure rises in the third chamber, thereby forcingthe membrane into the direction of the second chamber, once againclosing the closing member.

In this known container, before use, a meltable means is provided forkeeping the closing member from being operated by said membrane. In afirst embodiment this is achieved by providing said meltable member inthe opening between the third chamber and the environment, afterpressurising the third chamber to a pressure above the operatingpressure prevailing in the second chamber during use. In a secondembodiment a ring-shaped meltable element is provided around part of theclosing member, thereby preventing movement of said closing memberbefore melting said meltable member.

This known container has the disadvantage that said container has to beheated prior to use, for melting said meltabel member, therebycontaminating the fluid to be dispensed and heating said fluid, whichmay be undesirable. Furthermore, such container is difficult to assembleand cannot be stored easily over relatively long periods.

A further container having pressurising means is known from FR-A-2 690142.

This known container comprises an inner space in which a fluid to bedispensed is included, which inner space accommodates a pressure vesselwith pressure control means. In the pressure vessel, a first chamber isformed into which a gas is introduced under relatively high pressure,while an outlet opening is provided which is closed by a closing member.This closing member is slightly rod-shaped and is surrounded in theoutlet opening by an O-ring which tightly seals thereagainst. Providedin the rod-shaped element is a circumferential groove. In the pressurevessel, a second chamber is formed opposite the first chamber, whichsecond chamber, on she side proximal to the first chamber, is closed bya membrane to which the rod-shaped element is attached by one endthereof. In the second chamber, a control pressure is created by meansof a gas. Included between the first and the second chamber is a thirdchamber through which the rod-shaped element extends and which isprovided with an opening forming a fluid connection between the thirdchamber and the inner space of the container.

When in this known apparatus a desired pressure prevails in the thirdchamber, for instance a pressure equal to the control pressure, thegroove is located in the third chamber and the outlet opening is closedby the rod-shaped element. When fluid is dispensed from the inner space,the pressure therein will fall, resulting in the same pressure fall inthe third chamber. Consequently, the membrane-shaped wall part of thesecond chamber will deform in the direction of the first chamber, whilemoving the rod-shaped element axially, further into the first chamber.When the groove has been moved to the level of the O-ring, gas underpressure will be able to escape via the groove and along the O-ring fromthe first chamber to the third chamber, and from there to the innerspace of the container. This causes the pressure in the third chamber torise such that the membrane-shaped wall part is deformed back, againstthe control pressure, while it moves the rod-shaped element along fromthe first chamber. When the rod-shaped element is again sealinglyclasped by the O-ring, no gas will be able to escape from the firstchamber anymore, in which condition the pressure in the third chamberand the inner space is again approximately equal to the desiredpressure, in this case the control pressure.

This known container has the drawback that already before the gas isintroduced under pressure into the first chamber, the closing member andthe control means therefor, in this case the second chamber, themembrane-shaped wall part and the rod-shaped element, must have beenfitted. The first chamber is filled by pressing gas under particularlyhigh pressure into the third chamber via the opening, such that themembrane-shaped element is deformed in the direction away from the firstchamber. This involves the rod-shaped element being pulled from thefirst chamber so far that a slightly tapering end thereof is located inthe outlet opening. The gas can then pass this end under high pressureand be introduced into the first chamber. Upon removal of the high gaspressure, the rod-shaped element will be moved into the outlet openingagain under the influence of the control pressure and close said outletopening. This has the drawback that the introduction of the gas underpressure is relatively complicated and should be effected throughrelatively small openings. Moreover, there is the danger that in thecase of unduly high filling pressure, the rod-shaped element is pulledfrom the first chamber entirely and will not return into the outletopening when the gas pressure is removed, for instance in that therod-shaped element swivels slightly while the closing O-ring can bepressed from the opening. Moreover, during filling, relatively largedeformations of the membrane-shaped wall part will occur. When, afterthe gas has been introduced into the first chamber, this known apparatusis stored for some time, the control pressure will act on themembrane-shaped element continuously without a desired counterpressureprevailing in the third chamber. After all, the pressure in the thirdchamber will then be substantially atmospheric. As a consequence, themembrane will be held in a relatively highly deformed state for arelatively long time, which is disadvantageous to the elastic propertiesthereof. Moreover, this entails the risk of a change of the controlpressure caused by gas leaking away from the second chamber along orthrough the highly deformed membrane.

Moreover, in the case of leakage of the membrane, the control pressuremay fall out, so that the closure will be lost and the gas from thefirst chamber will flow freely to the container, as a result of whichthe container will be subjected to an unduly high pressure.

A further drawback of this known apparatus is that the rod-shaped bodycloses the outlet opening of the second chamber by means of an O-ring.This O-ring will continuously be subjected to the high gas pressure inthe second chamber. This means that when the O-ring and/or therod-shaped element are not positioned and/or dimensioned exactlyproperly, gas can simply flow away between the rod-shaped element andthe O-ring. This, too, will eventually cause the gas to flow away fromthe first chamber to the container and build up an unduly high pressuretherein. This is undesirable, both because of the unduly high pressurebuild-up and because of the poor functioning of the fluid dispensingoperation.

The object of the invention is to provide a container of the typedescribed in the preamble, in which the drawbacks of the known containerare avoided while the advantages thereof are maintained. In particular,the object of the invention is to provide a container with a pressurecontrol device for maintaining a substantially constant, preset pressurein the container, with the pressure control device enabling simplefilling with a pressure fluid and maintaining its pressure-controllingaction during relatively long times. To that end, a container accordingto the present invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

In a container according to the present invention, pressure fluid can bereceived and retained in the first chamber without the control meansand/or the second chamber having been fitted. Indeed, the closing memberis biased in the closed position and will keep the passage openingclosed at all times when the control member, at least the secondchamber, has been removed, or at least the pressure-controlling actionthereof has been put out of operation. The advantage thus achieved isthat the control means can be fitted after the first chamber has beenfilled, while the control means can moreover be stored and transportedseparately from the first chamber. In addition, there is achieved theadvantage that, starting from the same first chamber, different controlmeans can be applied, depending on, for instance, the desired controlpressure, a desired travel of the operating member and the like. Thisalso prevents the closing member from being operated prematurely.Indeed, the closing member can be operated by the control means onlyafter assembly. Preferably, the first chamber is filled along theclosing member with gas or another pressure fluid under high pressure,but the first chamber can also be filled prior to the positioning of theclosing member.

In an advantageous elaboration, an apparatus according to the presentinvention is characterized by the features of claim 2.

Positioning the closing member at least substantially on the side of thepassage opening facing the first chamber offers the advantage thatduring use, the closing member will be forced in the direction of thepassage opening and against the seating under the influence of thepressure prevailing in the first chamber, so as to close the passageopening. Through the provision of limit means which limit the maximumtravel of the closing member, the closing member is readily preventedfrom entering the first chamber loosely. By designing the limit means ina suitable manner, it is provided that pressure gas can be introducedinto the first chamber via the passage opening, while passing theclosing member in a simple manner. To that end, the limit means may, forinstance, be provided with ribs, slots or passage openings, such thatthe closing member in a position in which it has moved away from thepassage opening can abut against at least a part of said ribs ormaterial present between said slots or openings, while releasing fluidconnections between the passage opening and the closing member on theone hand and recesses located between said ribs or the slots or passageopenings on the other. Also, such ribs, slots or openings may beincorporated into a side, facing away from the seating, of the closingmember itself.

It is preferred that as biasing means, spring means be used which biasthe closing member in the closed position, also when no excess pressureis present in the first chamber. This readily prevents contamination ofthe inner space of the first chamber, while, moreover, no gases or solidsubstances can escape therefrom.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a container according to thepresent invention is characterized by the features of claim 3.

In such container, the advantage is achieved that the principaldirection of movement of the control means will not coincide with theprincipal direction of movement of the closing member, which creates agreater freedom of design and moreover allows greater tolerances.Indeed, in the case of coinciding principal directions of movement, theposition of the second chamber, at least of the control means, will haveto be determined particularly accurately with respect to the closingmember in at least the closed position. A further advantage of suchcontainer may be that an unintentional movement of the control means inthe principal direction of movement of the closing member will not, orat least not directly, result in a movement of the closing member. Thus,unintentional release of gas is prevented yet more effectively.

The control means preferably extends at least substantially entirelyoutside the first chamber, enabling it to be removed in a simplefashion. After all, this does not involve the release of an opening inthe first chamber.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a container according to thepresent invention is further characterized by the features of claim 5.

The use of at least a part of a valve as closing member offers theadvantage that a closing member biased in the closed position can easilybe obtained. The advantage achieved by arranging this in such a mannerthat it can be opened by at least the control means, is that by means ofsuch valve, a self-regulating pressure control device can be obtained ina container according to the present invention.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a container according to thepresent invention is characterized by the features of claim 7.

Detachably connecting the control means to the closing member enablespositioning the closing member relative to the control means in arelatively simple manner, while movement of the closing member by thecontrol means can readily be effected. A snap connection enables suchcoupling in a relatively simple manner. Moreover, this may simplyprevent detachment of the control means from the closing member, thuspreventing malversation.

In a preferred embodiment, a container according to the presentinvention is characterized by the features of claim 9.

By accommodating the first chamber in a first housing and accommodatingthe second chamber in a second housing, which housings can be coupledvia coupling means, a container according to the present invention canbe obtained in a constructionally simple manner. In particular the useof a snap connection enables such coupling in a highly simple manner.Such snap connection is preferably of such design that it cannot bedetached again without any problem. As a matter of fact, it will beappreciated that other coupling means can be used as well, for instancebayonet coupling means, screw thread connections or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a filling opening forthe first chamber, located at a distance from the passage opening. Theadvantage thus achieved is that the first chamber need not be filledthrough the passage opening.

In a further alternative embodiment, a container according to theinvention is characterized by the features of claim 11.

By collecting gas egressing from the first chamber in a balloon-shapedor otherwise expandable element, the advantage achieved is that contactbetween and mixing of the fluid to be dispensed and the pressure fluidis prevented. This is in particular advantageous when, for instance fortoxic or chemical reasons, the pressure fluid must not be dispensed, orat least not together with the fluid to be dispensed.

The invention further relates to a pressure control device for use in acontainer according to the invention.

Such pressure control device according to the invention is preferablycharacterized by the features of claim 13.

By using an intermediate part which can be coupled to the first chamberand which comprises at least the passage opening and the closing member,a relatively simple housing for the first chamber can be obtained with asuitable passage opening. At the desired moment, the second chamber withthe control member can then be placed and coupled to the intermediatepart, such that the desired pressure control device is obtained, or atleast brought into a condition in which it is ready for use. Accordingto the use, a suitable second chamber with suitable control member canin each case be selected.

The invention further relates to a method for preparing a container fordispensing a fluid under substantially constant pressure, characterizedby the features of claim 14.

With such method, there is readily obtained a container which, to auser, is directly ready for use. When a part of the fluid contained inthe container is removed therefrom, the pressure in the container willin principle decrease. By means of the pressure control device, anamount of pressure fluid, in particular a gas, will thereupon bereleased from the first chamber to compensate for said pressuredecrease. Preferably, the pressure in the inner space of the containeris controlled such that it is sufficient for pressing the fluid from thecontainer at a desired pressure. However, it will be understood that itis also possible to control the pressure in the inner space at arelatively low level, for instance atmospheric or subatmospheric, whilethe fluid introduced into the inner space can, for instance, serve asshielding gas or be used to prevent the occurrence of a reduced pressurein the inner space, which, after all, will prevent the fluid from beingdispensed or will at least render it more difficult.

The invention moreover relates to the use of a container or a pressurecontrol device according to the invention for dispensing carbonatedbeverage, in particular beer, under substantially constant pressure, andto the use of a method according to the present invention therefor.

As pressure fluid, preferably a gas, in particular CO₂ or CO₂-containinggas, is used in an apparatus or method according to the invention.However, another pressure medium may be used as well, for instance aliquid. Also, a pressure fluid may be obtained in a chemical manner, forinstance by combining calcium, (bi) carbonate and an acid such as citricacid. Thus, a pressure gas, in particular CO₂, is created. Manyvariations thereof are possible. The (bi) carbonate or another,calcareous product may be included in the third chamber, at least on theopposite side of the closing member.

Further advantageous embodiments of a container, pressure control deviceand method according to the invention are given in the subclaims.

To clarify the invention, a number of exemplary embodiments of acontainer, pressure control device, method and use according to theinvention will hereinafter be further explained with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side elevation of a container having apressure control device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side elevation of a pressure controldevice in a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation of a detail of a pressure controldevice according to the invention in a first alternative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation of a detail of a pressure controldevice in a second alternative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevation of a detail of a pressure controldevice in a third alternative embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a pressure control device in a fourthalternative embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional side elevation of a portion of a pressure controldevice according to invention in a fifth alternative embodiment.

In this specification, the invention will mainly be described withreference to a container having a pressure control device for dispensingbeverage, in particular soft drink, more in particular carbonatedbeverage such as beer, yet it will be understood that with suchapparatus, other fluids can be dispensed as well, for instance cosmeticproducts, foam-forming products, gases and the like. In thisspecification, reference will mainly be made to the dispensing, underpressure, of a fluid. However, by means of the pressure control device,it is also possible to maintain a constant pressure in the container,for instance at the level of the environment of container, for instanceto prevent deformation of the container or blocking of the dispensingoperation or to protect the contents of the container againstcontamination from outside. In this specification, identical orcorresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows, in highly schematic form, a sectional side elevation of acontainer 1, in the form of a substantially cylindrical can in which, inthe inner space 4 thereof, beverage 2 is included. In the container 1, ahead space 6 may be present, for instance filled with carbon dioxide.There is further included in the container 1 a pressure control device8, comprising a pressure vessel 10, a valve assembly 12 and an outletopening 14. In the pressure vessel 10, a gas is stored under relativelyhigh pressure in a manner to be described in more detail hereinbelow. Bymeans of the valve assembly 12, gas can be introduced, in a manner to bedescribed in more detail hereinbelow, from the pressure vessel 10 intothe inner space 4 of the container 1 via the pressure control device 8,for controlling the pressure therein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,a tap 16 is provided in the sidewall of the container 1, wherebybeverage 2 can be discharged from the inner space 4.

FIG. 2 shows a pressure control device 8 in a first embodiment,comprising a cylindrical first housing 18 forming the pressure vessel 10and having, adjacent the top end thereof, a filling opening 20 in whichan intermediate part 22 is secured in a manner to be described in moredetail hereinbelow. Formed within the first housing 18 is a firstchamber 24, largely filled with activated carbon, for instance activatedcarbon fiber 26 having a high adsorption and absorption power for thepressure gas, such as CO₂. This enables the introduction of aparticularly large amount of pressure gas into the first chamber 24 inrelation to the pressure thereby obtained. This offers the advantagethat the first chamber 24 can be relatively small and yet containsufficient gas. Such use of activated carbon is described in applicant'searlier filed Dutch patent application 1009654, which application isunderstood to be incorporated herein by reference.

Instead of or in addition to the CO₂, another pressure fluid may also beincluded in the first chamber, for instance a liquid under pressure. Ifnecessary, a reactive substance may also be included in the firstchamber, which substance can react with a second reactive substance toform a pressure medium such as CO₂. These may be, for instance, an acidand a calcium product, such as citric acid and (bi) carbonate, while thesecond reactive component may be stored in the first chamber and reactsonly in the case of pressure reduction, or in the third chamber, atleast on the side of the closing member remote from the first chamber.In that case, the reaction between the components does not take placeuntil the closing member is temporarily controlled into the openposition when the pressure in the inner space of the container isreduced and the components are brought together or undergo sufficientpressure change to form the desired gas. Other reactions, too, may beapplied in a suitable manner, to be selected depending on, inter alia,the medium to be dispensed.

The intermediate part 22 comprises a passage opening 28, which ispartially closed adjacent its bottom end by an inwardly extending flange30 provided with a number of bypass openings 32. From the top end, aseating 34 is inserted into the passage opening 28, of which seating 34the side facing the flange 30 has a convex surface to which an axialbore 36 connects. Between the convex surface 35 and the flange 30, acavity 38 is formed in which a ball-shaped closing member 40 is movablyincluded, which closing member 40 is biased against the convex surface35 and the axial bore 36 by biasing means 42 and in said biased positioncloses the axial bore so as to be gastight and liquidtight. In theembodiment shown, the biasing means 42 are designed as a pressure springsupported on the flange 30.

As FIG. 2 shows, the intermediate part 22 comprises first coupling means44 in the form of snap fingers or a snap ring which can be pressed, withdeformation, through the filling opening 20 and secured under thelongitudinal edge thereof. A supporting edge 46 is provided, abuttingagainst the top side of the longitudinal edge of the filling opening 20.In this manner, the intermediate part 20 is coupled in a positionallyfixed manner to the first housing 18, with the first coupling means 44and the supporting edge 46 providing a gastight and liquidtight seal.For that purpose, packing means such as a rubber ring, liquid packing,deforming means or the like, not shown, may be suitably provided, ifnecessary. Provided at some distance above the supporting edge 46 is asecond, further coupling means 48, in the form of a longitudinallyextending longitudinal edge, parallel to the supporting edge 46. Underthese second coupling means 48, countercoupling means 50 of a secondhousing 52 can be secured. This second housing 52 comprises acylindrical longitudinal wall 54, closed on one side by an end wall 56,while on the opposite side, the countercoupling means 50 are provided inthe form of snap fingers or a snap edge or the like. Provided within thesecond housing 52 is a circular membrane 58 whose longitudinal edge isgastightly and liquidtightly secured in the longitudinal wall 54.Between the end wall 56, the longitudinal wall 54 and the membrane 58, asecond chamber 60 is confined, of which the membrane 58 constitutes adeformable wall part. Included between the membrane 58, the longitudinalwall 54 and the first chamber 24 is a third chamber 62 which, via atleast one outlet opening 64, is in fluid connection with the inner space4 of the container 1. From the membrane 58, a rod-shaped control means66 extends through the axial bore 36 to a position adjacent the closingmember 40. The control means 66 has its first end secured to the centerof the membrane 58, such that upon deformation of the membrane 58, thecontrol means 66 is moved in axial direction. The length of the controlmeans 66 is chosen such that at an preselected increase of the volume ofthe second chamber 60, through deformation of the membrane 58, the freeend, distal from the membrane 58, of the control means 66 presses theclosing member 40 from the seating 34, allowing gas to flow underpressure via the passage openings 28 and the bypass openings 32, thecavity 38 and the axial bore 36 into the third chamber 62, and fromthere into the inner space 4 of the container 1 via the outlet opening64. In this manner, the pressure in the inner space 4 of the containercan be increased, for instance in order to bring this pressure to adesired level when beverage has been discharged from the container 1.

Prior to use, a pressure medium, for instance a gas, is provided in thesecond chamber 60, under a primary pressure to be referred to as controlpressure, for instance slightly higher than the pressure which isdesired in the inner space 4 of the container 1. The extent to whichthis control pressure is higher than the desired pressure for the innerspace 4 is substantially determined by the bias produced by the biasingmeans 42. When the control pressure prevails in the second chamber 60,the membrane 58 extends flat and parallel to the end wall 56, the freeend of the control means 66 being located adjacent the closing member40. When via the tap 16, beverage 2 is discharged from the inner space4, the pressure in the container will decrease. This means that thepressure in the third chamber 62 will likewise decrease, as a result ofwhich, due to the difference in pressure between the second chamber 60and the third chamber 62, the membrane 58 will be deformed, while thevolume of the second chamber 60 increases. This involves the controlmeans 66 being moved against the closing member 40, pushing said closingmember from the seating 34, against the biasing means 42. Accordingly,gas under pressure flows from the first chamber 24 along the closingmember 40 into the third chamber 62 and towards the inner space 4. Whenthe pressure in the third chamber 62 and hence in the inner space 4 hasbeen brought back to the desired level, the membrane 58 is forced backinto its flat position, as shown in FIG. 2, while moving along thecontrol means 66. Accordingly, by the biasing means 42, the closingmember 40 is pressed back into the closing position against the seating34. In this manner, each time when the pressure in the inner space 4drops below a desired level, gas will be supplied from the first chamber4 to the inner space, so that pressure control is automaticallyobtained. If necessary, the membrane may be of a slightly dish-shapeddesign, with the control pressure in the second chamber 60 correspondingto the primary, desired pressure when the convex side of such membrane58 faces the second chamber. In such embodiment, an additional pressuredifference is required between the second and third chambers to obtain asufficient displacement of the control means 66 for pushing the closingmember 40 from the seating 34. Moreover, upon opposite movement of themembrane 58, the pressure in the third chamber 62 will have to beincreased slightly further than in the case where a flat membrane 58 isused, to deform the membrane from its concave shape, viewed from thesecond chamber 60, back into its convex shape. This means that when theclosing member 40 is open, the pressure in the inner space 4 will beraised to slightly above the desired pressure, while gas will not be fedfrom the first chamber 24 into the inner space 4 until the pressure inthe inner space 4 has dropped below the desired level.

In the second chamber 60, a combination of, for instance, a gas andanother fluid or a gas and a solid can be included as pressure medium,such that the control pressure is related to, for instance, thetemperature of the beverage 2 in the container 1. Thus, for instance inthe second chamber 60, an amount of the beverage 2 or a fluidcorresponding therewith can be included, while depending on thetemperature in the second chamber, gas from the beverage includedtherein will provide an increase or decrease of pressure in the secondchamber. The same effect can be achieved by including gas adsorbing orabsorbing means in the second chamber 60, whose adsorption or absorptionpower depends on, inter alia, the temperature. In this manner, an evenbetter control of the pressure in the inner space 4 can be realized.

A pressure control device 8 according to the invention can be used asfollows. Via the filling opening 20, an appropriate amount of fillingmaterial 26 is introduced into the first chamber 24, for instanceactivated carbon fibers, activated carbon powder or like gas adsorbingand/or absorbing agents, known from, for instance, EP 5 692 381, whichis understood to be incorporated herein by reference. Next, theintermediate part 22 is sealingly secured in the filling opening by thefirst coupling means 44, after which a filling head (not shown) can beconnected to the intermediate part 22, such that gas under pressure canbe introduced into the first chamber 24 via the axial bore 36 and alongthe closing member 40. The gas pressure is so high that the closingmember 40 is moved from the seating 34, against the biasing means 42.Said filling head may be provided with coupling means comparable withthe countercoupling means 50, enabling the filling head to be connectedto the second coupling means 48 of the intermediate part. If the gaspressure in the filling head is removed, the closing member 40 will bepressed back against the seating 34 by the biasing means 42 and closethe axial bore 36, such that the gas under pressure is trapped in thefirst chamber 24. Next, preferably directly prior to use, the secondchamber 52 can be connected to the intermediate part 22 by the secondcoupling means 48, in the manner described hereinabove, whereupon thepressure control device is ready for use.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the closing member 40 is located at adistance below the top surface 68 of the intermediate part 22,preventing the closing member 40 from being pressed from the seating 34unintentionally. The first housing 18 with the intermediate part 22 can,with filled first chamber 24, be stored and transported separately fromthe second housing 52. This offers logistic advantages, while, moreover,gas is readily prevented from escaping from the first chamber 24unintentionally. Indeed, the pressure control will be initiated onlyafter coupling of the first housing 18 and the second housing 52. Afurther advantage is that in each case, depending on the desiredapplication, in particular the pressure to be controlled, a suitablesecond housing 52 can be coupled to the first housing 18, at least theintermediate part 22, depending on, for instance, the desired controlpressure. Moreover, undesired loading of the membrane 58 can readily beprevented, for instance by closing the bottom side of the third chamberby a suitable cap when the second housing 52 has been uncoupled from theintermediate part 22. The control means 66 can then receive support fromthe inner side of said cap. A further particular advantage of a pressurecontrol device according to the present invention is that the fillingmeans for introducing the gas into the first chamber 24 can be ofrelatively simple design, comparable with filling devices for existingaerosol containers and the like. As the gas need not be introduced underpressure via the relatively small outlet opening 64 and the thirdchamber 62, filling can be performed relatively fast, in particular alsobecause during filling, the control means 66 does not extend into theaxial bore.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of an alternative embodiment of a pressurecontrol device according to the present invention, in which, again, anintermediate part 122 is secured in the filling opening 120 of the firsthousing 118 by first coupling means 144 and an associated supportingedge 146. In the above-described manner, the second housing 152 issecured on the intermediate part 122. In this embodiment, a piston 158is arranged in the second housing 152, which piston is connected to thecontrol means 166. The piston comprises an O-ring 170 or a like pistonspring, to create a gastightly and liquidtightly closed second chamber160 on the side of the piston 158 distal from the first chamber 124,with intermediate third chamber 162.

FIG. 4 shows a second alternative embodiment of a pressure controldevice according to the invention, in which the first housing 218 isprovided, adjacent its top side 219, with external screw thread 221,capable of cooperating with internal screw thread 223, adjacent thebottom end of the second housing 252. The second housing 252 iscap-shaped, provided with a cylindrical longitudinal wall 254 and aclosed end wall 256. Accommodated within the second housing 252 is againa piston 258 with piston spring 270, thus dividing the second housing252 into a second chamber 260 and a third chamber 262. Within the firstchamber 224, adsorbing and/or absorbing material 226 is again included.

In this second alternative embodiment, a substantially cylindricalrecess 272 extends from the top end 219 of the first housing 218 in thedirection of the bottom 274 of the first housing 218, coaxially with thefirst housing 218. The recess 272 is open at the top side, comprises alongitudinal wall 276 and a bottom 278. Provided in the longitudinalwall 276 is a passage opening 228, comprising an axial bore 236, whichbore, on the side remote from the recess, connects to a seating 234. Bymeans of spring-shaped biasing means 242 receiving support from, forinstance, the inner side of the longitudinal wall of the first housing218, a substantially ball-shaped closing member 240 is pressed againstthe seating 234. A pin 280 is fixedly connected to the closing member240 and extends through the axial bore 236 into the recess 272. In thebiased position, the closing member 240 is sealingly pressed against theseating 234. In the first chamber 224, a filter 282 is provided betweenthe longitudinal wall 276 of the recess 272 and the outer wall of thefirst housing 218, which filter is permeable to gas, but which preventsthe material 226 from reaching the closing member 240 and the passageopening 228.

From the bottom side of the piston 258, a rod-shaped control member 266extends into the recess 272. Within the recess, a disk-shaped pressureelement 284 is provided around the control member 266, which pressureelement extends parallel to the piston 258 and has a diameter D suchthat upon axial movement of the control member 266, the pressure element284 is contacted with the free end of the pin 280. Hence, furthermovement of the pressure element 284 from the position shown in FIG. 4in the direction of the bottom 278 will cause the pin 236 to be moved inaxial direction, further into the axial bore, while the closing member240 will be moved from the seating 234 against the biasing means 242.The advantage thus achieved is that gas can flow from the first chamber224 along the seating 234 and the closing member 240 via the passageopening 280 into the recess 272, which recess connects to or forms partof the third chamber 262. From the third chamber, the gas can flow awayvia the outlet opening 264. Axial movement of the control member 266 isagain effected by pressure difference between a control pressure in thesecond chamber 260 and the pressure in the third chamber 262.Preferably, a spacer ring 286 is included in the recess 272, whichspacer ring can guide the control member 266. In the spacer ring, bypassopenings 233 may be included for passing the gas. The spacer ring 286preferably has a diameter which approximately corresponds to the insidediameter of the recess 272. The spacer ring can move along with thecontrol member 266 or guide it. Of course, it is also possible to designthe pressure element with a diameter which is approximately equal to theinside diameter of the recess 272, such that the pressure elementsimultaneously performs the function of the spacer ring, as a result ofwhich the spacer ring can be left out.

In a pressure control device according to FIG. 4, the first housing 218is, for instance, screwed with the external screw thread 221 into thefilling head of a filling device, whereupon gas is introduced underpressure into the first chamber 224 in the manner described hereinabove.After detachment of the first housing 218 from the filling head, thesecond housing 252 with piston 258 and control member 266 can be screwedonto the first housing 218, after which the pressure control device 208is ready for use. As a matter of fact, it will be understood thatinstead of a compression spring, other types of biasing means 242 mayalso be applied to pressure control devices according to the presentinvention, for instance resilient fingers, flexible elements or thelike. Also, the closing member may be partially designed as piston andincluded in an appropriate cylinder, so that compression of a suitablefluid within the cylinder may provide the desired bias.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of a third alternative embodiment of a pressurecontrol device 308 according to the invention, slightly comparable withan embodiment according to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, a passage opening328 is again provided, with axial bore 334, in the recess 372 in thefirst housing 318. By biasing means 342, a closing member 340 is forcedagainst the seating 334, with the pin 380 extending through the axialbore 336 into the recess 372. In this embodiment, the biasing means 342and the closing member 340 are accommodated in a fourth chamber 386 withinflow openings 388. This allows the recess 372 to be located at arelatively large distance from the wall of the first housing 218.

In this third alternative embodiment, the second housing 352 isaccommodated in the recess 372, such that it has its end wall 356abutting against the bottom 378 of the recess. In this embodiment, thepiston 358 is designed as a cylinder whose outer circumferenceapproximately corresponds to the inner circumference of the secondhousing 252, with the interposition of an appropriate piston spring 370or like gastight and liquidtight sealing means. Between the piston 358and the end wall 356, the second chamber 360 is formed again. At the endof the piston 358 distal from the second chamber 360, there is provideda control member 366, designed as a disk 367 having frusto-conicallongitudinal edges 390, 392. The disk 367 has an outside diameter which,for instance, approximately corresponds to the inside diameter of therecess 372, while the smallest section of the frusto-conicallongitudinal edges 390, 392 are approximately equal to the section ofthe piston 358. When the piston 358 is in a neutral position, i.e. in acondition in which the pressure in the second chamber 360 is equal tothe desired control pressure, the pin 380 has its free end abuttingagainst the outer frusto-conical longitudinal edge 390, preferablyadjacent the free end thereof. When the pressure in the third chamber362, which in the embodiment shown is formed by the inner space 4,decreases, the piston 358 will be moved upwards by the pressure in thesecond chamber 360, i.e. in the direction away from the end wall 356.This involves the first frusto-conical longitudinal edge 390 pushingaway the pin 380 and, accordingly, the closing member 340 outwards, torelease a gas flow path from the first chamber 324 via the inflowopenings 388, the fourth chamber 386 and the passage opening 328 towardsthe third chamber 362.

The end wall 356 of the second housing 352 has its outer side beveled,such that when the second housing 352 is pressed into the recess 372, itcan easily pass the pin 380. For the same reason, the secondfrusto-conical longitudinal edge 392 of the disk 367 has been provided.As a matter of fact, in the longitudinal wall 354 of the second housing352 there may be provided a groove for allowing the free end of the pinto pass without it being pressed away.

In this embodiment, gas can be introduced into the first chamber 324 viathe passage opening 328, after which the second housing 352 can bepressed into the recess 372 so as to render the device suitable for use.In fact, it will be understood that in this embodiment, the secondhousing 252 can be fitted prior to the introduction of the gas into thefirst chamber 224. However, this means that the piston 358 will have tobe secured in a position at which the control pressure prevails in thesecond chamber 360, also when in the third chamber, at least in theenvironment of the pressure control device, there prevails a pressurelower than the pressure that is desired in the inner space 4 of thecontainer 1.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a fourth alternative embodiment of a pressurecontrol device 408 according to the invention, comprising a firsthousing 418, an intermediate part 422 and a second housing 452.Accommodated in the intermediate part 422 is a valve 494 of a type whichis usually employed in spray cans, such as aerosol containers and thelike. Such valve is known from practice. FIG. 6 shows a suitableembodiment of a valve 494, yet it will be appreciated that differentlydesigned valves may also be used in a pressure control device accordingto the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the valve comprises athird housing 495 which is fixedly connected to the intermediate part422 and which contains a fourth chamber 486 including a pressure spring442 as biasing means. A rod-shaped element 496 lies with a collar 498confined between the coupling part 422 and the top end of the spring442, and extends beyond the coupling part 422. Provided in the partlying outside the coupling part 422 is an axial bore 436 in the form ofa blind hole. Provided above the collar 498 is a radial bore 437,terminating in the axial bore 436. In the position shown in FIG. 6, theradial bore 437 is closed by a sealing ring 439 in the intermediate part422. On the intermediate part 422, the second housing 452 is mountedwith appropriate coupling means 448, 450 in the above-described manner,which second housing 452 accommodates a piston 458 for axialdisplacement. Within the second housing 452, the second chamber 460 isseparated from the third chamber 462 by the piston 458. Via the outletopening 464, the third chamber 462 communicates with inner space 4 ofthe container. On the bottom side of the piston 458, a cylindrical part495 is formed having an axial bore 498 which can be fittingly securedover the top end of the rod-shaped element 496. On the side proximal tothe piston 458, a collar 499 is provided in the axial bore 498, whichcollar receives support from the top end of the rod-shaped element. Fromthe axial bore 498, radial bores 497 extend, which bring the axial bore498 into fluid connection with the third chamber 462.

In this embodiment, an increase of the volume of the second chamber 460,which will be effected in the above-described manner, results in adisplacement of the piston 458 in the direction of the first chamber424, whereby the rod-shaped element. 496 is axially displaced in thedirection of said first chamber 424, against the bias of the spring 442.Thus, the fluid connection is obtained between the first chamber 424 andthe third chamber 462 via the passage opening 428, the fourth chamber486, the radial bore 437, the axial bores 436, 498 and the radial bores497. Such embodiment offers the advantage that in a suitable manner, usecan be made of valves 494 known per se or the like, while, moreover, usecan be made of spray cans, aerosol containers and the like, known perse, as part for a pressure control device according to the presentinvention. It will be understood that the first chamber 424 can befilled with gas when the second housing 452 with the piston 458 isremoved, while the second housing 452 can be fitted in a simple manner.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth alternative embodiment for a pressure controldevice according to the present invention, in which the passage opening528 with the axial bore 536 and the seating 534 are provided in theouter wall of the first housing 518, for instance in the top wallthereof. On the pin 580, which extends from the closing member 540 andthrough the axial bore 536, a clamping ring 581 is provided. Between theclamping ring 581 and the longitudinal edge of the axial bore 536, aspring 542 is included as biasing means. At some distance from thepassage opening 528, the second housing 552 is secured on the relevantwall part of the first housing 518, for instance by means of snapfingers 544 suitable therefor or comparable suitable coupling means. Thefirst housing 518 comprises a longitudinal wall 554 and an end wall 556,which extends approximately at right angles to the relevant wall partsof the first housing 518. The longitudinal wall 554 may, for instance,define a substantially rectangular section of the inner space of thesecond housing. In the second housing 552, a membrane 558 has itslongitudinal edge secured in a manner as described in relation to FIG.2. From the center of the membrane 558, a control member 556 extendsapproximately parallel to said wall part of the first housing, through aguide opening 565 in a vertical edge 567 extending from said wall partof the first housing 518. It is thus guaranteed that the control member566 can move only axially, under the influence of changes of volume ofthe second chamber 560. On the control member 566, a frusto-conicalpressure element 584 is coaxially secured, having its frusto-conicalsurface abutting against the free end of the pin 580. The frusto-conicalpressure element 584 tapers in the direction of the vertical edge 567.Hence, when the volume of the second chamber 560 increases, the pin 580and, accordingly, the closing member 540 in FIG. 7 will be forceddownwards, i.e. in the direction of the first chamber 524, against thebiasing means 542, thereby releasing the passage opening 528 at leastpartially. The directions of movement of the pressure element and thecontrol member enclose an angle of about 90°.

An apparatus according to FIG. 7 will enable gas to be introduced intothe first chamber 524 via the passage opening 528 when second chamberand control member have been removed. Prior to use, the control member566 is subsequently passed with its first end through the guide opening565, after which the second housing 552 is coupled to the first housing518 by means of the snap fingers 544.

In principle, control devices according to the present invention have asan important additional advantage that in the event of a fall-out of thecontrol pressure in the second chamber, for instance due to leakage, thecontrol member is forced into a closed position. This readily andeffectively prevents gas from flowing away in an uncontrolled mannerfrom the first chamber to the third chamber to cause an unduly greatpressure in the container, at least in the third chamber. Thus, thesafety of the container according to the present invention, at least ofa pressure control device to be used therewith, is enhanced evenfurther.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown inthe specification and drawings: many variations thereof are possiblewithin the framework of the invention, as outlined in the appendedclaims.

For instance, at a distance from the outlet opening, a secondary fillingopening may be provided through which gas can be introduced into thefirst chamber. Such secondary filling opening may, for instance, havethe advantage that it can be of a relatively large design, so thatfilling of the first chamber can be realized even more rapidly, while anoutlet opening of a suitable, relatively small dimension can bemaintained. Further, a pressure control device can be secured andpositioned in a container in different manners, depending on the use.Also, parts of the pressure control device, in particular the firsthousing, may form part of the container, for instance as a fixedcompartment thereof. Of course, different embodiments as shown may alsobe combined. Biasing means for a device according to the presentinvention may be arranged separately from the closing member, but mayalso form an integral part thereof, so that the number of parts requiredis further reduced. It will be understood that when the pressure in thecontainer is set relatively high, the beverage or any other medium oreven, for instance, powder or granular product can be forced from thecontainer via an opening which may be provided in the container in anydesired position, for instance in a side or top face. Also, dischargemeans other than a tap 16 may be used. It will further be understoodthat the pistons and membranes used in devices according to the presentinvention may have any desired, suitable shape, for instance round,rectangular or polygonal in section, and may be made from any suitablematerial, for instance plastic or metal. The same holds for thedifferent housings, intermediate part, control member and closingmember. In the exemplary embodiments shown, a substantially ball-shapedelement is in each case used as closing member. However, it will beunderstood that differently shaped closing members may be used as well,for instance frusto-conical, disk-shaped and the like. In the case ofnon-ball-shaped closing members, the closing member can in each case bepositioned in such a manner that the gas pressure in the first chamberwill exert an additional pressure on the closing member in the directionof the seating cooperating therewith for increasing the bias. Thecoupling means for a pressure control device according to the presentinvention may be of reversible design, yet it is preferred that thesemeans cannot be detached without damage, so that they cannot bemanipulated in an undesirable manner.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within theframework of the invention as described in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container (1) with pressure control device (8,108, 208, 308, 408, 508) for maintaining a substantially constant,preset pressure in the container, said container (1) being arranged fordispensing a fluid, the pressure control device comprising a firstchamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) for containing a pressure fluid, asecond chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) in which a control pressureprevails and a third chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562) which isformed by or communicates with, or is at least partially accommodated inan inner space of the container (1), while between the first chamber(24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) and the third chamber (62, 162, 262, 362,462, 562) there is provided a passage opening (28. 128, 228, 328, 428,528) accommodating a closing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540) forclosing, during normal use, the passage opening (28. 128, 228, 328, 428,528) when the pressure in the third chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462,562) is lower than the control pressure, a control means (66, 166, 266,366, 466, 566) being movable by a displaceable or deformable part (58,158, 258, 358, 458, 558) of the wall of the second chamber (60, 160,260, 360, 460, 560) and arranged for displacing the closing member (40,140, 240, 340, 440, 540) at least partially when the pressure in thethird chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562) is lower than the controlpressure, to enable pressure fluid to flow under pressure from the firstchamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) to the third chamber (62, 162,262, 362, 462, 562), biasing means being provided for biasing saidclosing member to a closed position, characterized in that at least thecontrol member (66) and/or the second chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460,560) are at least partially removable from the first chamber (24, 124,224, 324, 424, 524) and said biasing means (42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542)being provided for keeping the closing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440,540) in the closed position when at least the control member (66, 166,266, 366, 466, 566) and/or the second chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460,560) are at least partially removed, such that the first chamber (24,124, 224, 324, 424, 524) can be filled while the second chamber (60,160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and/or the control means can be stored andtransported separately from the first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424,524).
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the closing member(40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540) is positioned at least substantially onthe side of the passage opening (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528) facing thefirst chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) and can close the passageopening (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528) by abutting against a seatingaround the passage opening (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528), limit means(32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 532) being provided for limiting the possibletravel of the closing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540), such thatwhen the closing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540) is moved awaymaximally from the passage opening, a fluid can be introduced into thefirst chamber along the closing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540). 3.A container according to claim 1, wherein the control means (366, 466,566) has a principal direction of movement enclosing an angle with theprincipal direction of movement of the closing member (340, 440, 540),said angle preferably ranging between 90 and 175 degrees, more inparticular between 90 and 135 degrees and preferably being about 90degrees.
 4. A container according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber(60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and the control means (66, 166, 266, 366,466, 566) are at least largely removable, the closing member in itsclosed position being located below an outer surface of the pressurecontrol device of the first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) inwhich the passage opening (28, 128, 228, 328, 428, 528) is located.
 5. Acontainer according to claim 1, wherein the closing member (440) isdesigned as part of a valve (494), arranged for being moved from aclosed position into an open position by at least the control means. 6.A container according to claim 1, wherein the control means (266, 366,566) comprises a rod-shaped element having at least a part which in adirection approximately at right angles to the longitudinal axis of therelevant element projects outside an adjoining part, while during axialmovement of the relevant rod-shaped element, the projecting part can bebrought into and out of contact with the closing member, the closingmember (240, 340, 540) being pressed into the open position when theprojecting part is in contact therewith and being forced into the closedposition when the projecting part is not in contact therewith.
 7. Acontainer according to claim 1, wherein the control means (40, 140, 240,340, 440, 540) is detachably connected to the closing member, inparticular by means of a snap connection.
 8. A container according toclaim 1, wherein the control means comprises a membrane-shaped element(58) which biases the closing member (40) in the closed position.
 9. Acontainer according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber (24, 124, 224,324, 424, 524) is accommodated in a first housing (18, 118, 218, 318,418, 518), while the second chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) isaccommodated in a second housing, coupling means (50, 105, 250, 350,450, 550) being provided for coupling the first housing to the secondhousing (52, 152, 252, 352, 452, 552), in particular coupling means forforming a snap connection.
 10. A container according to claim 9, whereinthe first housing (18, 118, 218, 318, 418, 518) is shell-shaped andprovided with a filling opening, the coupling means comprising anintermediate part (22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 522) which can be secured insaid filling opening and comprises at least the closing member and thepassage opening, the intermediate part (22, 122, 222, 322, 422, 522)comprising further coupling means capable of cooperating withcountercoupling means on the second housing.
 11. A container accordingto claim 1, wherein the third chamber is at least substantiallyaccommodated in a balloon-shaped or otherwise expandable element, suchthat gas egressing from the first chamber is received in said expandableelement and kept separate from fluid included in the container and to bedispensed therefrom.
 12. A pressure control device comprising a firstchamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) for containing a pressure fluid, asecond chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) in which a control pressureprevails and a third chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562) while betweenthe first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) and the third chamber(62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562) there is provided a passage opening (28,128, 228, 328, 428, 528) accommodating a closing member (40, 140, 240,340, 440, 540) for closing, during normal use, the passage opening (28,128, 228, 328, 428, 528) when the pressure in the third chamber (62,162, 262, 362, 462, 562) is lower than the control pressure, a controlmeans (66, 166, 266, 366, 466, 566) being movable by a displaceable ordeformable part (58, 158, 258, 358, 458, 558) of the wall of the secondchamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and arranged for displacing theclosing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540) at least partially when thepressure in the third chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562) is lowerthan the control pressure, to enable pressure fluid to flow underpressure from the first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) to thethird chamber (62, 162, 262, 362, 462, 562), biasing means beingprovided for biasing said closing member to a closed position,characterized in that at least the control member (66) and/or the secondchamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) are at least partially removablefrom the first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) and said biasingmeans (42, 142, 242, 342, 442, 542) being provided for keeping theclosing member (40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540) in the closed position whenat least the control member (66, 166, 266, 366, 466, 566) and/or thesecond chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) are at least partiallyremoved, such that the first chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) canbe filled while the second chamber (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and/orthe control means can be stored and transported separately from thefirst chamber (24, 124, 224, 324, 424, 524) for use in a containeraccording to claim
 1. 13. A pressure control device, connectable to orprovided with a first chamber for containing a pressure fluid, a secondchamber in which a control pressure prevails and a passage opening,during use situated between the first chamber and the environment, whilein the passage opening a closing member is included for closing thepassage opening during normal use when the pressure in the environmentis lower than the control pressure, a control means being movable by adisplaceable or deformable part of the wall of the second chamber andarranged for displacing the closing member at least partially when thepressure in the environment is lower than the control pressure, toenable pressure fluid to flow under pressure from the first chamber tothe environment, the pressure control device comprising an intermediatepart which comprises at least the passage opening and the closingmember, which intermediate part can be coupled to a first chamber, atleast the control member and/or the second chamber being at leastpartially removable from said intermediate part, and biasing means beingprovided for keeping the closing member in the closed position when atleast the control member and/or the second chamber are at leastpartially removed.
 14. A method for preparing a container for dispensinga fluid under substantially constant pressure, wherein a shell-shapedholder is provided with a first part of a pressure control device, saidfirst part at least comprising a closing member which is biased in aclosed position and can be opened by an excess pressure applied theretofrom the outer side, wherein a pressure fluid under said excess pressureis introduced into the holder along said closing member under relativelyhigh pressure and, upon removal of the excess pressure, the closingmember is moved into said closed position, after which a second part ofthe pressure control device is mounted on the first part, said secondpart comprising control means regulated by control pressure, whichcontrol means force the closing member into an open position againstsaid bias when in the environment of the container a pressure prevailswhich is lower than said control pressure, the holder with coupled firstand second parts being inserted into the container, said container beingfilled with a fluid to be dispensed and subsequently being closed. 15.Use of a container according to claim 1 or a pressure control deviceaccording to claim 12 for dispensing carbonated beverage, in particularbeer, under substantially constant pressure.
 16. Use of a methodaccording to claim 14 for preparing a container with carbonatedbeverage, in particular beer, for dispensing said beverage.